The hydraulic performances of an axial low-head pico-turbine, being intended for recovering energy in drinking water networks, have been assessed at the testing platform of the HES SO Valais. Starting from the geometry of the axial runner provided by EPFL-Laboratory for Hydraulic Constructions (LCH), the pico-turbine has been designed, executed and set up on the HES-SO Valais test rig at a model scale (85/100). In order to measure the hydraulic performances of this axial pico-turbine with a maximal output power of 300 W, the main steps performed from the design to the experimental measurements are:
- Mechanical design of a pico-turbine adapted to the runner (provided by LCH) ;
- Machining of the runner (in Bronze) on a 5-axis milling machine ;
- Manufacturing of different components (in Stainless Steel) of the pico-turbine ;
- Mechanical assembly of the machine;
- Assembly of the electrical generator (synchronous motor) and electrical connection ;
- Instrumentation and calibration ;
- Adaptation of the control and measurements interface dedicated to the pico-turbine ;
- Definition of the measurements protocol;
- Measurements of hydraulic performance.
The present report comes describes the obtained hydraulic characteristic curves of the pico-turbine measured following the IEC 60193 standard recommendations. The mechanical concept and the full experimental set-up are included as well.